Pacemakers are impressive medical devices designed to manage patients’ irregular heartbeats. For a great many people, they significantly improve quality of life. Nonetheless, when these devices are defective, they can cause serious health complications, leading to product liability, or occasionally (e.g. if a healthcare professional knowingly implants a defective or allows one to be implanted) medical malpractice claims. The attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy handle both types of civil cases, effectively representing clients who have suffered harm due to faulty pacemakers throughout the Philadelphia area.
If you are suffering in the aftermath of having a defective pacemaker implanted or tragically lost a loved one to wrongful death as a result of such a faulty device, now is the time to contact our highly capable legal team. We have an impressive record of successful outcomes, both through agile negotiations and positive verdicts, and will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.
When Pacemakers Are Used For
Pacemakers are electronic devices implanted in the chest (usually just below the collarbone) to help control abnormal heart rhythms. These devices are used to ensure the heart beats at a normal rate and rhythm, which is necessary for the proper delivery of blood to all parts of the body.
Pacemakers are typically prescribed for patients with bradycardia (a heart rate that’s too slow), heart block (a condition where the heart beats irregularly due to signals not reaching the right locations), or heart failure. By monitoring and adjusting the heartbeat as needed, pacemakers play a vital role in preventing fainting spells, helping the heart’s efficiency, and in some cases, saving lives.
How Pacemakers Work
Pacemakers consist of a small, battery-operated computer (the generator) and one or more leads inserted into the heart chambers. The generator sends electrical impulses through the leads to the heart muscle, prompting it to beat at a regular rate. Modern pacemakers can adjust the heart rate automatically based on the individual’s activity level, thanks to sensors that detect body movement and breathing rate. This sophisticated technology ensures that patients can lead active, normal lives without being constantly aware of their heart’s rhythm.
Defects That Have Been Found in Pacemakers
Despite their life-saving capabilities, pacemakers are not immune to defects. These defects can arise from design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate testing and can lead to severe consequences for patients, including:
- Device failure
- Infection
- Lead displacement
- Inappropriate electrical shocks
- Death
Patients with defective pacemakers may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or sudden changes in heart rate, prompting an urgent need for medical intervention. In some instances, recalls have been issued by manufacturers after discovering flaws that could lead to device malfunction.
Product Liability Law in Pennsylvania
Pacemakers are noticeable among the broad range of tools, toys, machines, vehicles, and medical devices that Pennsylvania product liability law covers. Product liability law is designed to protect consumers from unsafe products and holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for harm caused by defects in their products.
To pursue a product liability claim in Pennsylvania, plaintiffs must prove that:
- The product was defective
- The defect caused injury
- The product was being used as intended
Product defects are categorized into design defects, manufacturing defects, or failures to provide adequate warnings or instructions. In cases of product liability, negligence does not have to be proven. Rather, strict liability applies.
What Cooper Schall & Levy Can Do To Help
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in cases involving defective pacemakers. We have extensive experience in product liability and medical malpractice law and are well-equipped to negotiate aggressively both in and out of the courtroom.
Once you become our client, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation during which we will establish the nature of the defect, examine medical records, interview witnesses, and consult with medical experts who will testify to the negative impact of the defect on your health. Most of all, we will forcefully advocate for your rights through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, at trial. Our goal, like yours, is to bring you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Patients Harmed by Defective Pacemakers Are Entitled to Meaningful Compensation
Successful claims can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and attorneys’ fees. Our lawyers will also fight for all other related expenses, such as replacement services and alterations to make your home accessible if need be.
Delay Is Your Enemy in Product Liability Cases
Procrastination in product liability cases, especially those involving defective medical devices like pacemakers, can have significant legal and health repercussions for the victims. Taking prompt steps is crucial for several reasons. First, the statute of limitations imposes strict deadlines for filing claims, and missing these deadlines can permanently bar victims from seeking compensation for their injuries and losses.
Second, early action ensures that evidence essential for building a strong case — e.g. medical records, device information, and witness testimonies — remains fresh and accessible. In addition, procrastination can delay the receipt of necessary medical interventions to address the harm caused by the defective device, potentially jeopardizing your health further. For these reasons, it is imperative that you take immediate steps to pursue a product liability claim as soon as you have evidence that something is amiss.
Contact Our Experienced Product Liability Attorneys Now
The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin developing a persuasive strategy to provide you with the very best chance of receiving the just compensation you deserve. Contact us today to feel the peace of mind that comes from dealing with consummate, caring professionals.
